A Knight to sing and celebrate at Staten Island's St. George Theatre

When the legendary Empress of Soul Gladys Knight stepped onto the stage of the St. George Theatre, she gave Staten Island an evening of music so inspirational, uplifting and so full of soulful grooving no one wanted it to end.

Ms. Knight's stellar performance was the icing on the cake of the lavish 82nd Anniversary Red Carpet Gala, celebrating the landmarked theater and those whose support has made it a success.

This year's honorees were Anthony C. Ferreri, president and CEO of Staten Island University Hospital; his wife, Michele Ferreri; Joel Bibula and Don Kehoe.

The evening was presented by St. George Theatre Restoration, Inc., the nonprofit group that oversees the theater's operations.

Kicking off the event -- as well as providing "red carpet" commentary -- were Fred Cerullo, president and chief executive officer of the Grand Central Partnership, and Advance Editor Brian J. Laline, chairman of the restoration board.

Honorees were presented with the "Georgie Award." Kehoe and Bibula received theirs for Outstanding Community Service, and the Ferreris received the Georgie for Robert Fitzsimmons Sr. Outstanding Service Award.

Also celebrated were the efforts of the late Rosemary (Mrs. Rosemary) Cappozalo, whose vision and energy brought the theater back to life. It is now run by her daughters, Luanne Sorrentino and Doreen Cugno, executive director and chief financial officer, respectively.

Ms. Sorrentino recalled that when her mother took over the theater, "it was just an empty shell," she said. "Now, nine years later, it's thriving and shining and full of life and energy."

Laline presented the award to Kehoe, an advertising salesman at the Advance. Laline said Kehoe picked up a camera at age 7, started taking pictures and never stopped. In addition to photographing family, Kehoe has taken countless free photos of the theater, theater events, programs and performances, Laline said.

"Donny, you are a part of the family that has made this place a success and we can't say enough to thank you," said Laline.

Kehoe told the crowd he loves volunteering at the St. George.

"I've made a lot of friends and when I come to the theater its like everything is right with the world. It's just a great experience," he noted before -- in trademark fashion -- pulling out his own camera to photograph the crowd.

Calling him one of a kind, Cerullo presented the award to Bibula, also a photographer and videographer for numerous Island organizations and events.

Bibula said the first time he stepped into the St. George, Mrs. Rosemany "took me around and showed me what she wanted to do, and I realized I was in the presence of greatness."

He added that he was accepting the award for all those "St. George Giants" who made the theater come to life.

Co-chairs Dr. Thomas and Lenore Costantino presented the award to the Ferreris, noting the couple had their first date at the theater and that Ferreri had even proposed to his wife there.

"This is a great evening for us," said Ferreri. "I am blessed because how often does someone have the opportunity to run a hospital in the same community that serves his family, friends and neighbors; the same hospital that provided care to my great-grandparents and delivered my grandson. It's really a great opportunity, honor and privilege to lead this organization."

Then it was time for the superstar to take over. The eight-time Grammy winner didn't miss a beat or a note and had the Island crowd eating out of her hand.

Fresh off her turn on the popular ABC "Dancing With Stars," the vibrant 67-year-old spent the night shimmying, shaking and doing some fancy footwork, dressed in a sheer black tunic top embellished with sequins and black pants, all sparkling in the light.

"I am so honored to be here tonight. I couldn't wait to get out here to y'all," Ms. Knight told the crowd. "It's gonna be a wonderful night. I feel it in my bones. It really is."

Her full-throated and lush vocals did not disappoint, with favorites such as "You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me," "I've Got to Use My Imagination," and a soulful rendition of "The Way We Were."

She touched on her time at Motown before breaking into "I Heard it Through the Grapevine." And she recalled how she and The Pips prayed to God for success many times, including asking for a Grammy.

"He gave us two," she said, before breaking into the group's first Grammy winner, "Neither One of Us" -- which got a standing ovation.

Her brother, Merald (Bubba) Knight, followed in a special appearance, and his singing and dancing drove the crowd wild.

Ms. Knight closed with her signature song, "Midnight Train to Georgia," bringing the audience to their feet once more.